Transformable Costume

ABSTRACT

A transformable costume upper torso component including a body covering front portion and at least one sleeve portion extending therefrom, where the sleeve portion includes a first surface and a reverse or underlying second surface, where the first surface is displayed in a rolled-up position of the sleeve portion and displays a first look, where the second surface is displayed in a rolled-down position of the sleeve portion and displays a second look, and where the first look is different from the second look.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to and involves a playful, masquerade anddisguise costume to be worn by children and adults having the structureand thus the capability of visually presenting or changing from a firstview to another. More specifically, the present invention involves amasquerade, disguise, Halloween or other piece of wearing apparel whichserves as a costume or costume component having one or more limbs,pieces, and/or elements which, when physically modified by the wearer,i.e., by uncovering or revealing an otherwise hidden feature, reveals analternate look(s) for the costume. The various looks which are availableadd to the playfulness and enjoyment obtained by the viewer and thewearer of the costume.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While disguise and masquerade costumes have been around for a very longtime, and articles of wearing apparel which depict commercially knowncharacters (Spiderman®, Batman®, Harry Potter®, Shrek®, etc.) and/orthemes (American Native Indian, Minister, Policeperson, Inmate, Fireman,etc.) have been made and sold in large quantities for Halloween anddisguise and masquerade parties, there is always a desire to be new anddifferent, especially for the wearer of the costumes. To present a newand unique “look” and/or to be able to present multiple “looks” ishighly desirable. A manufacturer who can provide a simple and costeffective costume which can transform into multiple looks for the wearerwill likely be commercially successful. And, the wearer of a costumewhich can transform into multiple “looks” is often admired and feelsgood about his/her look(s)/costume. More recent variations of childrenand adult disguise costumes have started to incorporate foam sewn-onpieces in combination with color printing to create the visualappearance of muscles and armor, particularly in the case of superheroand robot and mechanical/transformer costumes. However, with theinclusion of these aspects, the costumes possess only one look to aviewer and are not really capable of change or transformation into adifferent nor even a related, similar but visually distinct secondcostume or look. Therefore, there is a need in costuming, both for themaker and seller of large quantities, and the end consumer, i.e., thewearer, for presenting a new and unique look, to provide a costumeincorporating foam (light weight) elements which when manipulated arecapable of transformation to present different looks to others.Providing the structure and thus the ability to a costume to presentmore than one visual appearance is highly desirable and would be a boonto a manufacturer if capable of being done in an inexpensive and, yet,simple manner—something that allows even a child to change his/her lookto others quickly and easily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a transformabledisguise or masquerade costume to be worn by a child or adult (or even apet) basically including a body or upper torso portion and at least oneappendage, preferably an arm sleeve or leg wrap portion, where thesleeve or wrap portion includes a first outer display surface and asecond inner display surface, where the first display surface isinitially seen by a viewer but the inner display surface can be easilyand quickly revealed. The first or outer surface is generally held in arolled-up position of the sleeve or wrap (hereinafter for conveniencereferred to as the sleeve) portion and displays a first look, and whilethe second display surface is initially hidden in a rolled-down positionof the sleeve portion, it can be easily and quickly unrolled to reveal asecond look. Clearly, the look initially presented by the first “look”is visually distinct or different from the second look and, yet thefirst and second look or display can be mere variations of one another.For example, a first display could show the red blood circulating veinsof the forearm of an arm and, the second display, when unrolled orextended to reveal the same, can show the same blood circulating veinson the foreagm but showing the blood as blue in color. Clearly, two“views” are thus provided to the same upper torso component, which canbe its own complete costume or integrated into a costume with othercomponents for wear. Other and many variations can be presented wherethe first and second “looks” are associated or coordinated with oneanother or, of course, where the first and second “looks” are completelyvisually unrelated, e.g., a first look of a set of veins of the forearmwith red blood coursing therethrough and a second and distinct “look”where the forearm is provided with a set of distinct tattoos.

Implementations of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing features. When the second surface is opened for display in therolled-down position, an uncovered part of the sleeve portion previouslycovered by the first surface of the sleeve will be viewable and may bedisplayed, and the look of the now-uncovered part may correspond withthe second look. When the second surface is displayed with the sleeve inthe rolled-down position, an uncovered part of the sleeve portionpreviously covered by the first surface will be displayed. Preferably, asleeve accessory may be affixed to the sleeve which allows the accessoryto be rolled and unrolled to reveal and conceal a “look” otherwisehidden by the accessory.

In general, in another aspect, the invention features a transformablepreferably playful masquerade article of wearing apparel or a costume orcostume component including a body or upper torso portion and at leastone arm sleeve portion, where a foldable and unfoldable flap or garmentappendage is disposed on the sleeve portion, the flap including a firstoutward visual display surface and a second, initially covered, displaysurface, where the first surface is outwardly displayed while the flapis in a closed flap position and thus displays a first look, and wherethe second, originally concealed and visual display surface is displayedwhen the flap is in an open flap or extended flap position and displaysa second and distinct look, and where the first look is different butcan be associated or totally distinct from the second look.

Implementations of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing features. When the second surface is revealed or displayed inthe open flap or flap extended position, an uncovered part of the sleeveportion previously covered by the first surface may be displayed, andwhere a look of the uncovered sleeve part may correspond with the firstlook. When the second surface is displayed in the open flap or flapextended position, an uncovered part of the sleeve portion previouslycovered by the covered flap of the sleeve may be displayed. The sleeveaccessory, an associate toy or device, for example, a “bat-erang” in aBatman® costume may be affixed to an elastic cord that may be affixed tothe uncovered part. A compartment or a pocket may be disposed on thesecond, originally hidden surface. A sleeve accessory, a play gun,grenade, webbing, etc. may be capable of removal from the compartmentand may be disposed in the compartment or the pocket. An attachmentmechanism may be disposed on the second surface and an additional partof the sleeve portion, such that when the attachment mechanism isbrought together, the flap is maintained in the open flap position. Anattachment mechanism may be disposed on the second surface and a part ofthe sleeve portion covered by the first surface, such that when theattachment mechanism is brought together, the flap is maintained in theclosed flap position.

In general, in another aspect, the invention features a transformablecostume or masquerading article of apparel including a body and/or uppertorso portion and at least one sleeve or leg wrap portion, where atleast one flap is disposed on or in connection with the body portion,each flap including a first surface and a second surface, where thefirst surface can be displayed in a closed flap position and displays afirst look, where the second surface can be extended and displayed in anopen flap position and displays a second look which might coordinatewith the previously hidden under sleeve component which is revealed whenthe sleeve or flap is desirably extended, and where the first look isdifferent from the second look, although the two looks can be related toone another or totally distinct.

Implementations of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing features.

When the second surface is displayed in the open flap position, anuncovered part of the body portion previously covered by the firstsurface may be displayed, and where a look of the uncovered part maycorrespond with the second look. An attachment mechanism (an elasticcord, for example) may be disposed on the second surface and anadditional part of the body portion, such that when the attachmentmechanism is brought together, the flap is maintained in the open flapposition. An attachment mechanism may be disposed on the second surfaceand a part of the body portion covered by the first surface, such thatwhen the attachment mechanism is brought together, the flap is bent in amanner that displays the first look and provides a desired visualthree-dimensional effect. A first flap may be disposed on a chestportion or an abdomen portion of the body portion. A first flap and asecond flap may be disposed on a chest portion of the body portion, oneon each side of the central chest bone. Or a first flap may be disposedon an upper chest portion of the body portion and a second flap may bedisposed on an abdomen portion of the body portion. And, of course,symmetry across the central bone of the bone cage can be provided. Afirst flap and a second flap may be disposed on a chest portion of thebody portion and a third flap and a fourth flap may be disposed on anabdomen portion of the body portion. Many visual variations can thus beprovided with minimal components, generally by using the flaps in theircovering or uncovering positions. Clearly, a highly entertainingdisguise costume can be provided, consistent with the principles of thepresent invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a first look of a cloth costume with silk screenedand colorful features printed thereon, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. Here the sleeves' arm flaps are in their first ornon-extended positon. This presents a first visual look extending fromelbow to wrist;

FIG. 1B illustrates a second look provided by the costume of FIG. 1A,with the arm flaps folded or extended down to expose the inside of theflaps extended away from the wearer's wrists and also exposing theoriginally covered lower arm sections, extending from elbow to wrist,originally hidden in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A illustrates a first look of the same costume component shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one embodiment of the present invention,comprising an upper torso component, with the shoulders having paddedsections, hinged to the top edge of the shoulders, and having a screenprint of a first look, presented by the outside of the padded, shoulderflaps;

FIG. 2B illustrates the transformation from the first look of thecostume of FIG. 2A to a second look of the costume—now, the shoulderflaps have been pivoted about the upper edge of the shoulders to exposethe visual and design aspects of the costume beneath the flaps(originally hidden from view) and to also display for viewing the insidesurface of the flaps themselves, the now exposed upper torso shoulderportions and the inside of the flaps present a unified new look, i.e.,there is a visual image continuity running from the top of theoriginally concealed shoulder extending to the inside of the shoulderflap, now pivoted above the top edge of the shoulder, as seen in FIG.2B;

FIG. 2C illustrates yet another “look” of the costume of FIG. 2A, aconsequence of the shoulder flaps being pivoted about the top edge ofthe wearer's shoulders and those flaps then being secured to the upperportion of the rear shoulders. Another visual image is thus presented;

FIG. 3 illustrates a first look and a second look (in the inset drawing)of a costume and its sleeve portion according to one embodiment of thepresent invention and displaying a first hidden and then exposed sleevesection and a holding pocket with a device which can be selectivelywithdrawn and replaced—a toy batwing for a Batman® costume. This sleevecomponent hinges about an axis extending along the length of theforearm, from wrist towards elbow, and thus presents a first look, withthe sleeve covering the forearm, a second or open flap look with theflap rotated about the axis, and exposing a batwing for play andreplacement;

FIG. 4 illustrates a first look and a second look (in the inset of thedrawing) of a costume component, a sleeve section, according to oneembodiment of the present invention—with the flap first forming a cuffof the sleeve, then unfolded or extended to show another look (exposingthe portion of the costume beneath the flap of the sleeve and alsoexposing the inside surface of the cuff, as desired. This embodiment,too, shows a costume accessory (a Batman® batwing on a cord or stringbeing exposed) when the flap is extended; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a first look and a second look (in the inset of thedrawing) of a costume component (an upper torso section) according toone embodiment of the present invention, showing a first folded overflap extending over the underlying sleeve to present a first look, thenthe flap unfurled laterally, to reveal a second look of the reverse sideof the flap and also revealing the sleeve beneath the flap. Here, too,the exposing or extending of the flap reveals a costume accessory, on anelastic string, in this case a playful and artificial spider web for aSpiderman® costume component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is directed to a costume component, preferably anupper torso covering element of a costume presenting multiple “looks”due to one or more elements or flaps which, when moved to extend orrotate about an axis securing the flap to the costume component, resultsin a costume or disguise which is modified from that originallydisplayed to reveal alternate looks for the same costume.

In the embodiment reflected in FIGS. 1A-1B, a costume component 10 has acertain design printed or silk-screened and illustrated preferablycovering its central upper and torso body and arm portions. Preferably,the “look” of the costume is done by colorful silk screen printing ontofabric and then the fabric elements are cut and sewn together in atypical apparel making manner. Often, the component is sectionallystuffed with material, foam, cotton, etc. and then sewn as desired tocreate the image of a well-toned superhero, i.e., seaming allows thecostume to present as a very muscular individual, with well-definedpectoral muscles and abdominal muscles, too. Of course, preferably, thearms and upper torso are coordinated in look and designed to present avisually pleasing design, a costume for disguise and/or masqueradepurposes. In this embodiment, as can be seen, costume component 10 orupper torso 10 has a pair of arm-covering sleeves. In a first look ofcostume 10, illustrated in FIG. 1A, costume 10 has a rolled-up, twofabric layers thick, lower sleeve surface 21. In this embodiment itextends form the wrist to the elbow of the costume's arm sleeves.Rolled-up sleeve surface 21 has an illustrated design thereon which isviewable by an observer when the rolled up sleeve surface is in itsfirst position. Preferably, the design on the outer surface of therolled-up sleeve surface 21 coordinates with the rest of the arm of thecostume component 10. Costume 10 has the ability to quickly and easilychange into a second visual look, as reflected by the visual and slightphysical differences between FIGS. 1A and 1B. Specifically, rolled-upsleeve surface 21 may be rolled or pulled down to extend the end 23 ofthe sleeve to thereby expose a rolled-down sleeve surface 22. End 23 wasoriginally at or about (or slightly above) the elbow, but when thesleeve surface is unrolled, it extends beyond the wrist of the wearer,generally beyond the wearer's hand. In a preferred embodiment,rolled-down and reverse of the sleeve surface 22 has a differentillustrated design from rolled-up sleeve surface 21. Additionally, notonly preferably will rolled-down sleeve surface 22 have a differentillustrated, visual design from rolled-up sleeve surface 21, but alsothe portion of the sleeve previously covered up by rolled-up sleevesurface 21, underlying sleeve surface 24, will present a differentvisual “look” for the costumes' sleeves. This portion 24 may have anillustrated design corresponding with the design of rolled-down sleevesurface 22 to present an elongated and continuous visual image, asdesired.

In the embodiment reflected in FIGS. 2A-2C, a costume 10 has a certaindesign illustrated on its upper torso body component and integrated armportions. Additionally, costume 10 may have additional elements disposedon the body portion. These additional elements may include atransforming flap element, which may be made of a piece or pieces offoam cut to a desired shape and covered or laminated with fabric.Transforming flap elements 31 may be sewn onto costume 10 via a seam, inthis case, a horizontal seam is depicted. In a first look of costume 10,illustrated in FIG. 2A, costume 10 has a transforming flap with an outersurface presenting a first visual image. The flaps are generally formedwith a piece of stuffing between two layers of colorful/printed uponfabric. The flaps are hingedly connected to the upper torso, preferablyby being sewn thereto, as on the top edges of the shoulders.Transforming flap outer surface 31 has an illustrated design thereon.The underside of the flap also has a design illustrated or printedthereon. And, of course, beneath the flap, on the costume's upper torsocomponent, is an originally hidden visual image. It can be seen,however, when the flap 31 is rotated about its seam to thereby revealthe underside of the flap and the portion of the costume otherwisehidden by the flap. Costume 10 has the ability to change into a secondlook, as reflected by the differences between FIGS. 2A-2C. Specifically,transforming flap outer surface 31 may be lifted up to expose atransforming flap reverse or inner surface 32. In a preferredembodiment, transforming flap inner surface 32 has a differentillustrated design from transforming flap outer surface 31.Additionally, not only may transforming flap inner surface 32 have adifferent illustrated design from transforming flap outer surface 31,but also the portion of the body of costume 10 previously covered up bytransforming flap outer surface 31, section 33, may have an illustrateddesign corresponding with or distinct from the design of transformingflap inner surface 32. The components can be visual continuations of oneanother or can be distinct visual images. Furthermore, a simpleattachment mechanism may be disposed on transforming flap inner surface32, the portion of the body of costume 10 previously covered up bytransforming flap outer surface 31, and other portions of costume 10.For example, a Velcro® connecting system may be disposed on transformingflap inner surface 32 and the portion of the body of costume 10previously covered up by transforming flap outer surface 31, such thatwhen transforming flap outer surface 31 is lifted and bent, the Velcro®hooks and loops of an integrated system may be brought into contact anda three-dimensional effect may be provided to costume 10, displaying thecreative design of transforming flap outer surface 31. In anotherexample, a Velcro® system may be disposed on transforming flap innersurface 32 and a shoulder or back portion of costume 10, such that whentransforming flap outer surface 31 is lifted and flipped over, theVelcro® system may be brought into contact and a three-dimensionaleffect may be provided to costume 10, displaying the design oftransforming flap inner surface 32. This example is shown in FIGS.2A-2C. The transforming flap element may be disposed on the chestportion of costume 10, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. In another embodiment,the transforming flap element may be disposed on one or more of theabdomen sections, the upper arm portion, the lower arm portion, theshoulder portion, the back portion, and the like of costume 10. Inanother embodiment, the transforming flap element may be disposed on aleg portion, a thigh portion, or a buttock portion of a costume.

In the embodiment reflected in FIG. 3, a costume's upper torso component10 has a certain design illustrated on its body and extending down thearm portions. Additionally, costume component 10 has sleeves and mayhave additional elements disposed on the sleeve portions. Theseadditional elements may include a sleeve flap element, which may be madeof a piece or pieces of foam cut to a desired shape and covered, printedwith or laminated with fabric. Sleeve flap element may be sewn ontocostume 10 via a seam or edge. In the illustrated embodiment, the seamextends along the length of one side of the flap along the forearm, sayfrom below the elbow to near the wrist. In a first look of costume 10,costume 10 has a sleeve flap outer surface 23. Sleeve flap outer surface23 has a first illustrated design thereon. Costume 10 has the ability tochange into a second look. Specifically, sleeve flap outer surface 23may be lifted, rotating the same about the seam 27 to expose a sleeveflap inner surface 24. In a preferred embodiment, sleeve flap innersurface 24 includes a sleeve flap inner surface compartment 25. Asmentioned with respect to the other embodiments, the sleeve flap innersurface may be complementary or distinct from the visual image presentedby the outer surface. A compartment or inner small pocket 25 may be sewnonto sleeve flap inner surface 24. Compartment 25 may house a sleeveflap inner surface compartment accessory 26. In this embodiment, theupper torso component simulates a Superhero, like Batman® and thus theaccessory to be carried within the pocket can be a batwing, a weapon tobe used by the Superhero. It can be removed from the pocket and thrownto stun an enemy (in the costume world of Superheroes). Additionally, anelement similar to that of the sleeve flap element may be disposed on aleg portion of a costume, specifically at the bottom leg portion of thecostume, thereby acting as a boottop. Finally, a simple attachmentmechanisms may be disposed on sleeve flap inner surface 24, the portionof the body of costume 10 previously covered up by sleeve flap outersurface 23, and other portions of the sleeves of costume 10. Forexample, a Velcro® system may be disposed on sleeve flap inner surface24 and a portion of the sleeve of costume 10 previously covered up bysleeve flap outer surface 23, such that the Velcro® hooks and loops ofthe system may be brought into contact and the sleeve flap remains in aclosed position, until uncoupled, displaying the design of sleeve flapouter surface 23. In another example, a Velcro® system may be disposedon sleeve flap inner surface 24 and a back or side sleeve portion ofcostume 10, such that when sleeve flap outer surface 23 is lifted andflipped over, the Velcro system may be brought into contact and thesleeve flap remains in an open position, displaying the design andassociated aspects of sleeve flap inner surface 24, including, forexample, sleeve flap inner surface compartment 25. This will provideaccess to the accessory. In this illustrated embodiment, the bat wingtoy accessory is shown separate from the costume but it can be tethered,too, by an elastic cord.

In the embodiment reflected in FIG. 4, a costume upper torso component10 has a certain design illustrated on its body and arm portions. Theselikely are coordinated visually to present a unified “look.”Additionally, costume component 10 has sleeves and may have additionalelements disposed within the sleeve portions. In a first look of costume10, costume 10 has a rolled-up sleeve surface 21. Rolled-up sleevesurface 21 has an illustrated design thereon. Costume 10 has the abilityto change into a second look. Specifically, rolled-up sleeve surface 21may be rolled down or extended beyond the wrist section of the sleeve toexpose a rolled-down sleeve surface 22. That presentation is really justthe reverse side of the rolled up sleeve surface. In a preferredembodiment, rolled-down sleeve surface 22 has a different illustrateddesign from rolled-up sleeve surface 21. Additionally, not only mayrolled-down sleeve surface 22 have a different illustrated design fromrolled-up sleeve surface 21, but also the portion of the sleevepreviously covered up by rolled-up sleeve surface 21 can be visuallydistinct, and this portion may have an illustrated design correspondingwith or different from the design of rolled-down sleeve surface 22.Finally, rolled-down sleeve surface 22 may also include a hidden sleevepocket and/or a toy or disguise accessory 27 that is revealed uponrolling down rolled-up sleeve surface 21 and exposing rolled-down sleevesurface 22. Hidden sleeve accessory 27 may be sewn or affixed byconventional methods to rolled-down sleeve surface 22 or the portion ofthe sleeve previously covered up by rolled-up sleeve surface 21.

In the embodiment reflected in FIG. 5, an upper torso costume component10 has a certain design illustrated and printed on its body and armportions. Additionally, costume 10 has sleeves and may have additionalcuff-like elements disposed on the sleeve portions. These additionalelements may include a sleeve flap element 24, which may be made of apiece or pieces of foam cut to a desired shape and covered or laminatedwith fabric. Sleeve flap element 24 may be sewn onto costume 10 via aseam or edge 35. In a first look of costume 10, costume 10 has a sleeveflap outer surface 23. Sleeve flap outer surface 23 has an illustrateddesign thereon. Costume 10 has the ability to change into a second“look.” Specifically, sleeve flap outer surface 23 may be lifted androtated about edge or seam 35 to expose a sleeve flap inner surface 24.In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve portion disposed beneath sleeveflap outer surface 23 may also include a hidden sleeve accessory 27(held between the fabric sections or in a dedicated pocket) that isrevealed upon lifting and rotating sleeve flap outer surface 23 aboutthe seam. Hidden sleeve accessory 27 may be sewn or affixed byconventional methods to the sleeve. Finally, attachment mechanisms ofthe Velcro® type may be disposed on sleeve flap inner surface 24, theportion of the body of costume 10 previously covered up by sleeve flapouter surface 23, and other portions of the sleeves of costume 10. Forexample, a Velcro® system may be disposed on sleeve flap inner surface24 and a portion of the sleeve of costume 10 previously covered up bysleeve flap outer surface 23, such that the Velcro® system may bebrought into contact and the sleeve flap remains in a closed positionunless physically pulled apart, displaying the design of sleeve flapouter surface 23. In another example, a Velcro® system may be disposedon sleeve flap inner surface 24 and a back or side sleeve portion ofcostume 10, such that when sleeve flap outer surface 23 is lifted andflipped over, the Velcro® system may be brought into contact and thesleeve flap remains in an open position, displaying the design andassociated aspects of sleeve flap inner surface 24 and the portion ofthe body of costume 10 previously covered up by sleeve flap outersurface 23, including, for example, hidden sleeve accessory 27.

The embodiments and examples above are illustrative, and many variationscan be introduced to them without departing from the spirit of thedisclosure or from the scope of the invention. For example, elementsand/or features of different illustrative and exemplary embodimentsherein may be combined with each other and/or substituted with eachother within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the particular embodimentsdisclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments fallingwithin the scope of the claims. For a better understanding of theinvention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained byits uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings anddescriptive matter, in which there is illustrated a preferred embodimentof the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transformable costume apparel component,comprising: a partial body covering portion; and at least one sleeveportion, wherein the sleeve portion comprises a first surface and abeneath second surface, wherein the first surface is displayed in arolled-up position of the sleeve portion and displays a first visuallook, wherein the second surface is displayed in a rolled-down positionof the sleeve portion and displays a second look, and wherein the firstlook is coordinated yet distinct from the second look.
 2. Thetransformable costume apparel component of claim 1, wherein, when thesecond surface is displayed in the rolled-down position, an uncoveredpart of the sleeve portion previously covered by the first surface isdisplayed, and wherein a look of the uncovered part is coordinated withthe second look.
 3. The transformable costume apparel component of claim1, wherein, when the second surface is displayed in the rolled-downposition, an uncovered part of the sleeve portion previously covered bythe first surface is displayed, and wherein a costume accessory isaffixed in or to the uncovered part.
 4. The transformable costumeapparel component of claim 3, wherein the costume accessory is affixedto an elastic cord that has one end affixed to the uncovered part andthe other end affixed to the costume accessory.
 5. A transformable uppertorso costume component, comprising: a partial covering body portion;and at least one sleeve portion extending at least form an elbow to awrist, wherein a flap is disposed on the sleeve portion, the flapcomprising a first visual and outer surface and a second visual andunderlying surface, wherein the first surface, when displayed in aclosed flap position displays a first look, wherein the second surfaceis revealed when said flap is manipulated to an open flap position andsaid second surface displays a second look, and wherein the first lookis visual distinct from the second look.
 6. A transformable upper torsocostume component of claim 5, wherein, when the second surface isdisplayed in the open flap position, an uncovered part of the sleeveportion previously covered by the first surface is displayed, andwherein a look of the uncovered part is visually associated with thesecond look.
 7. A transformable upper torso costume component of claim5, wherein, when the second surface is displayed in the open flapposition, an uncovered part of the sleeve portion previously covered bythe first surface is displayed, and wherein a costume accessory isaffixed to the uncovered part.
 8. A transformable upper torso costumecomponent of claim 7, wherein the costume accessory is affixed to anelastic cord that is also affixed to the uncovered part.
 9. Atransformable upper torso costume component of claim 5, furthercomprising a costume accessory holding compartment disposed on thesecond surface.
 10. A transformable upper torso costume component ofclaim 9, wherein said costume accessory vcan be removed from saidholding compartment only when said costume is in an open flap position.11. A transformable upper torso costume component of claim 5, wherein afabric attachment mechanism is disposed on the second surface and anadditional part of the sleeve portion, such that when the components ofthe fabric attachment mechanism are brought together, the flap ismaintained in the open flap position.
 12. A transformable upper torsocostume component of claim 5, wherein a fabric attachment mechanism isdisposed on the second surface and a part of the sleeve portion coveredby the first surface, such that when the components of the fabricattachment mechanism are brought together, the flap is maintained in theclosed flap position.
 13. A transformable upper torso costume component,comprising: a partial or full upper torso body covering portion; and atleast one extending sleeve portion, wherein at least one flap isdisposed on the sleeve portion, extending from about the wrist to theelbow of the sleeve portion, each flap comprising a first visual fabricsurface and a second, visually distinct fabric surface on the undersideof said first visual fabric surface, wherein the first surface isdisplayed when said flap on said sleeve portion is in its first positionand displays a first look, wherein the second visually distinct fabricsurface is displayed in an open flap position and displays a secondlook, and wherein the first look is distinct from the second look.
 14. Atransformable upper torso costume component of claim 13, wherein, whenthe second surface is displayed in the open flap position, an uncoveredpart of the sleeve portion previously covered by the first surface isdisplayed, and wherein a look of the uncovered part is also distinctfrom said second look.
 15. A transformable upper torso costume componentof claim 13, wherein a simple mechanical fabric attachment mechanism isdisposed on the second surface and another part of the body portion,such that when the attachment mechanism is brought together, the flap ismaintained in the open flap position.
 16. A partial or full upper torsobody covering portion of claim 13, wherein a fabric mechanicalattachment mechanism is disposed on the second surface and a part of thebody portion covered by the first surface, such that when the componentsof the fabric mechanical attachment mechanism are brought together, theflap bends to display the first look and provides a three-dimensionalcostume component effect.
 17. A partial or full upper torso bodycovering portion of claim 13, wherein a first flap is disposed on anupper pectoral chest portion or an abdomen portion of the body portion.18. A partial or full upper torso body covering portion of claim 13,wherein a first flap and a second flap are disposed on an upper pectoralchest portion or an abdomen portion of the body portion.